In Another Universe

THREE

1970
Camp Lehigh

Howard Stark storms into his lab at two o'clock in the morning, Exhausted and aggravated.

Working for Shield has always called for early mornings and very late nights, However, He's supposed to have the weekends to spend time with his wife.

"This better be important, Pegs!" He calls out, Tossing his leather briefcase down onto the metal desk, "You've got a very pissed off pregnant woman wanting an apology first thing tomorrow morning."

He turns around to meet Peggy's worried expression, And suddenly his aggravation is replaced with worry.

"I'll send my assistant out to get Maria a gift basket later, This was too urgent to wait."

"Well?" His brows twisting together, "What the hells going on?"

Steve strolls into the room behind Peggy, And Howard takes a step back, Visibly in shock.

"I need your help to get back home." Steve says.

"S-Steve? You're alive?" Howard questions, His eyes darting all around as Peggy smiles happily, "You're alive!" He exclaims, rushing to greet his old friend with a hug.

"Technically not yet, I'm from the future." Steve explains, Patting Howard on the back.

"The future?! You mean... They've finally mastered time travel in the future?! Wait, If you're from the future, Wouldn't talking to us cause some sort of-"

"Howard." Steve interrupts, Resting his hand on Howard's shoulder, "My Time Machine is broken, You're the only man alive who has a chance at fixing it for me."

Howard runs his clammy hand over his thinly trimmed mustache, His mind whirling from the idea of time travel existing.

"What year are you from?"

"2024." Steve nods, Swallowing thickly.

"2024? You expect me, In 1970, To be able to repair a time that won't even be invented for another fifty years?! Are you out of your mind?"

Peggy takes a step toward Steve as Howard paces around the lab, His eyes looking as if they're going to burst from his skull at any moment.

"Allow him to explain." She cautions him.

"Explain? Explain what, Peggy?! It's literally impossible, If the technology used to make his Time Machine doesn't exist yet, How on earth would I go about repairing it? I'm not some damn magician! I can't ju-"

"I have to get back to 2024," Steve speaks over Howard's rambling, "My girl... We're having a baby. Our first... Please, I have to get home."

Howard bows his head, rocking the back of a desk chair with his trembling hands.

He mind wanders to how he'd feel if he were unable to be there for his wife Maria, How upset she is when he has to work late, And all of the firsts they're looking forward to experiencing with their unborn son.

"Okay," Howard nods, Peering up to meet Steve's piercing blue eyes, "I'll do everything I can to help you, We'll get you home."